Multi-cell single voltage electrolysis apparatus and method of using same

ABSTRACT

A method and apparatus for achieving high output efficiency from an electrolysis system ( 100 ) using a plurality of electrolysis cells all located within a single electrolysis tank ( 101 ) is provided. Each individual electrolysis cell includes a membrane ( 105 - 107 ), a plurality of metal members comprised of at least a first and second metal member ( 117/118; 125/126 ) and at least a third and fourth metal member ( 121/122; 129/130 ), and a plurality of high voltage electrodes comprised of at least an anode ( 119; 127 ) and a cathode ( 123; 131 ). Within each cell, the high voltage anode is interposed between the first and second metal members and the high voltage cathode is interposed between the third and fourth metal members. The high voltage applied to the high voltage electrodes is pulsed.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

Under 35 U.S.C. 119, the present application claims the benefit of theearlier filing date and the right of priority to Canadian PatentApplication Serial No. 2,590,421, filed May 30, 2007, the disclosure ofwhich is hereby incorporated by reference for any and all purposes.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to electrolysis systems and,more particularly, to a high efficiency electrolysis system and methodsof using same.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Fossil fuels, in particular oil, coal and natural gas, represent theprimary sources of energy in today's world. Unfortunately in a world ofrapidly increasing energy needs, dependence on any energy source offinite size and limited regional availability has dire consequences forthe world's economy. In particular, as a country's need for energyincreases, so does its vulnerability to disruption in the supply of thatenergy. Additionally, as fossil fuels are the largest single source ofcarbon dioxide emissions, a greenhouse gas, continued reliance on suchfuels can be expected to lead to continued global warming. Accordinglyit is imperative that alternative, clean and renewable energy sources bedeveloped that can replace fossil fuels.

Hydrogen-based fuel is currently one of the leading contenders toreplace fossil fuel. There are a number of techniques that can be usedto produce hydrogen, although the primary technique is by steamreforming natural gas. In this process thermal energy is used to reactnatural gas with steam, creating hydrogen and carbon dioxide. Thisprocess is well developed, but due to its reliance on fossil fuels andthe release of carbon dioxide during production, it does not alleviatethe need for fossil fuels nor does it lower the environmental impact ofits use over that of traditional fossil fuels. Other, less developedhydrogen producing techniques include (i) biomass fermentation in whichmethane fermentation of high moisture content biomass creates fuel gas,a small portion of which is hydrogen; (ii) biological water splitting inwhich certain photosynthetic microbes produce hydrogen from water duringtheir metabolic activities; (iii) photoelectrochemical processes usingeither soluble metal complexes as a catalyst or semiconductingelectrodes in a photochemical cell; (iv) thermochemical water splittingusing chemicals such as bromine or iodine, assisted by heat, to splitwater molecules; (v) thermolysis in which concentrated solar energy isused to generate temperatures high enough to split methane into hydrogenand carbon; and (vi) electrolysis.

Electrolysis as a means of producing hydrogen has been known and usedfor over 80 years. In general, electrolysis of water uses two electrodesseparated by an ion conducting electrolyte. During the process hydrogenis produced at the cathode and oxygen is produced at the anode, the tworeaction areas separated by an ion conducting diaphragm. Electricity isrequired to drive the process. An alternative to conventionalelectrolysis is high temperature electrolysis, also known as steamelectrolysis. This process uses heat, for example produced by a solarconcentrator, as a portion of the energy required to cause the neededreaction. Although lowering the electrical consumption of the process isdesirable, this process has proven difficult to implement due to thetendency of the hydrogen and oxygen to recombine at the technique's highoperating temperatures.

A high temperature heat source, for example a geothermal source, canalso be used as a replacement for fossil fuel. In such systems the heatsource raises the temperature of water sufficiently to produce steam,the steam driving a turbine generator which, in turn, produceselectricity. Alternately the heat source can raise the temperature of aliquid that has a lower boiling temperature than water, such asisopentane, which can also be used to drive a turbine generator.Alternately the heat source can be used as a fossil fuel replacement fornon-electrical applications, such as heating buildings.

Although a variety of alternatives to fossil fuels in addition tohydrogen and geothermal sources have been devised, to date none of themhave proven acceptable for a variety of reasons ranging from cost toenvironmental impact to availability. Accordingly, what is needed is anew energy source, or a more efficient form of a current alternativeenergy source, that can effectively replace fossil fuels withoutrequiring an overly complex distribution system. The present inventionprovides such a system and method of use.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a method and apparatus for achieving highoutput efficiency from an electrolysis system using a plurality ofelectrolysis cells all located within a single electrolysis tank. Eachindividual electrolysis cell includes a membrane which separates theportion of the electrolysis tank containing that electrolysis cell intotwo regions. Additionally, each electrolysis cell includes a pluralityof metal members and a plurality of high voltage electrodes. Theplurality of metal members includes at least a first and second metalmember contained within the first region of the electrolysis cell and atleast a third and fourth metal member contained within the second regionof the electrolysis cell. The plurality of high voltage electrodesincludes at least a first high voltage anode contained within the firstregion of the electrolysis cell and interposed between the first andsecond metal members, and a first high voltage cathode contained withinthe second region of the electrolysis cell and interposed between thethird and fourth metal members. The high voltage applied to the highvoltage electrodes is pulsed.

Preferably the high voltage pulses occur at a frequency between 50 Hzand 1 MHz, and more preferably at a frequency of between 100 Hz and 10kHz. The pulse duration is preferably between 0.01 and 75 percent of thetime period defined by the frequency, and more preferably between 1 and50 percent of the time period defined by the frequency. Preferably thehigh voltage is between 50 volts and 50 kilovolts, more preferablybetween 100 volts and 5 kilovolts.

Preferably the liquid within the tank is comprised of one or more of;water, deuterated water, tritiated water, semiheavy water, heavy oxygenwater, and/or any other water containing an isotope of either hydrogenor oxygen. Preferably the liquid within the electrolysis tank includesan electrolyte with a concentration in the range of 0.05 to 10 percentby weight, more preferably in the range of 0.05 to 2.0 percent byweight, and still more preferably in the range of 0.1 to 0.5 percent byweight.

The electrodes and the metal members can be fabricated from a variety ofmaterials, although preferably the material for each is selected fromthe group consisting of steel, nickel, copper, iron, stainless steel,cobalt, manganese, zinc, titanium, platinum, palladium, aluminum,lithium, magnesium, boron, carbon, graphite, carbon-graphite, metalhydrides and alloys thereof.

In at least one embodiment, the electrolysis system is cooled. Coolingis preferably achieved by thermally coupling at least a portion of theelectrolysis system to a portion of a conduit containing a heat transfermedium. The conduit can surround the electrolysis tank, be integratedwithin the walls of the electrolysis tank, or be contained within theelectrolysis tank.

In at least one embodiment, the electrolysis system also contains asystem controller. The system controller can be used to perform systemoptimization, either during an initial optimization period or repeatedlythroughout system operation.

A further understanding of the nature and advantages of the presentinvention may be realized by reference to the remaining portions of thespecification and the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an illustration of an exemplary embodiment of the inventionutilizing a three cell configuration;

FIG. 2 is an illustration of an alternate embodiment based on theconfiguration shown in FIG. 1 utilizing multiple sets of metal membersfor each cell;

FIG. 3 is an illustration of an alternate embodiment based on theconfiguration shown in FIG. 1 utilizing multiple sets of high voltageelectrodes for each cell;

FIG. 4 is an illustration of an alternate embodiment based on theconfiguration shown in FIG. 1 utilizing multiple sets of metal membersand multiple sets of high voltage electrodes for each cell;

FIG. 5 is an illustration of an alternate embodiment utilizing acylindrically-shaped tank;

FIG. 6 is an illustration of an alternate embodiment based on theconfiguration shown in FIG. 1 utilizing a switching power supply;

FIG. 7 is an illustration of an alternate embodiment based on theconfiguration shown in FIG. 1 utilizing a switching power supply with aninternal pulse generator;

FIG. 8 is an illustration of one mode of operation;

FIG. 9 is an illustration of an alternate mode of operation thatincludes initial process optimization steps;

FIG. 10 is an illustration of an alternate, and preferred, mode ofoperation in which the process undergoes continuous optimization;

FIG. 11 is an illustration of an alternate embodiment of FIG. 1utilizing multiple high voltage supplies; and

FIG. 12 is an illustration of an alternate embodiment of FIG. 1 thatincludes a system controller.

DESCRIPTION OF THE SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 is an illustration of an exemplary, and preferred, embodiment ofthe invention which can be used, for example, as a heat generator.Electrolysis system 100 includes a tank 101 comprised of anon-conductive material, the size of the tank depending primarily uponthe desired output level for the system, for example the desired heatproduction. Although tank 101 is shown as having a rectangular shape, itwill be appreciated that the invention is not so limited and that tank101 can utilize other shapes, for example cylindrical, square,irregularly-shaped, etc. Tank 101 is substantially filled with liquid103. In at least one preferred embodiment, liquid 103 is comprised ofwater with an electrolyte, the electrolyte being either an acidelectrolyte or a base electrolyte. Exemplary electrolytes includepotassium hydroxide and sodium hydroxide. The term “water” as usedherein refers to water (H₂O), deuterated water (deuterium oxide or D₂O),tritiated water (tritium oxide or T₂O), semiheavy water (HDO), heavyoxygen water (H₂ ¹⁸O or H₂ ¹⁷O) or any other water containing an isotopeof either hydrogen or oxygen, either singly or in any combinationthereof (for example, a combination of H₂O and D₂O).

A typical electrolysis system used to decompose water into hydrogen andoxygen gases utilizes relatively high concentrations of electrolyte. Thepresent invention, however, has been found to work best with relativelylow electrolyte concentrations, thereby maintaining a relatively highinitial water resistivity. Preferably the water resistivity prior to theaddition of an electrolyte is on the order of 1 to 28 megohms.Preferably the concentration of electrolyte is in the range of 0.05percent to 10 percent by weight, more preferably the concentration ofelectrolyte is in the range of 0.05 percent to 2.0 percent by weight,and still more preferably the concentration of electrolyte is in therange of 0.1 percent to 0.5 percent by weight.

The electrolysis system of the invention includes multiple electrolysiscells, an electrolysis cell defined herein as having at least two metalmembers and a high voltage cathode interposed between the two metalmembers within a first region of the cell, and at least two metalmembers and a high voltage anode interposed between the two metalmembers within a second region of the cell, the two cell regionsseparated by a membrane. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1,electrolysis tank 101 includes three electrolysis cells, the three cellsincluding membranes 105-107, respectively. It should be understood thatthe invention is not limited to an electrolysis system with a specificnumber of cells, rather the number of cells depends primarily on thedesired output level (e.g., heat production) and the size of theelectrolysis tank.

Membranes 105-107 permit ion/electron exchange between the two regionsof each cell while keeping separate the oxygen and hydrogen bubblesproduced during electrolysis. Maintaining separate hydrogen and oxygengas regions is important as a means of minimizing the risk of explosionsdue to the inadvertent recombination of the two gases. Additionally,separating the regions allows the collection of pure hydrogen gas andpure oxygen gas. Accordingly similar polarity electrodes are groupedtogether with the membranes keeping groups separate. Exemplary membranematerials include, but are not limited to, polypropylene,tetrafluoroethylene, asbestos, etc.

As noted herein, the present system is capable of generatingconsiderable heat. Accordingly, system components such as theelectrolysis tank (e.g., tank 101) and the membranes (e.g., membranes105-107) that are expected to be subjected to the heat generated by thesystem must be fabricated from suitable materials and designed toindefinitely accommodate the intended operating temperatures as well asthe internal tank pressure. For example, in at least one preferredembodiment the system is designed to operate at a temperature ofapproximately 90° C. at standard pressure. In an alternate exemplaryembodiment, the system is designed to operate at elevated temperatures(e.g., 100° C. to 150° C.) and at sufficient pressure to prevent boilingof liquid 103. In yet another alternate exemplary embodiment, the systemis designed to operate at even higher temperatures (e.g., 200° C. to350° C.) and higher pressures (e.g., sufficient to prevent boiling).Accordingly, it will be understood that the choice of materials (e.g.,for tank 101 and membranes 105-107) and the design of the system (e.g.,tank wall thicknesses, fittings, etc.) will vary, depending upon theintended system operational parameters, primarily temperature andpressure.

Other standard features of the electrolysis tank are gas outlets for anyhydrogen and oxygen gases generated within the tank. In the exemplaryembodiment shown in FIG. 1, the oxygen gas produced at the anodes willexit tank 101 at gas outlets 108-109 while hydrogen gas produced at thecathodes will exit the tank at gas outlets 110-111. Replenishment ofliquid 103 is preferably through a separate conduit, for example conduit113. In at least one embodiment of the invention, another conduit 115 isused to remove liquid 103 from the system. Alternately, each cell caninclude one or more conduits for liquid 103 replenishment. If desired, asingle conduit can be used for both liquid removal and replenishment. Itwill be appreciated that the system can either be periodically refilledor liquid 103 can be continuously added at a very slow rate duringsystem operation.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, each cell includes four metalmembers, two members per cell region, and two high voltage electrodes(i.e., one cathode and one anode). In the illustrated embodiment, thefirst cell includes membrane 105, metal members 117/118 and interposedhigh voltage anode 119, and metal members 121/122 and interposed highvoltage cathode 123. Noting that adjacent cells preferably co-use setsof electrodes/members as shown, the second cell includes membrane 106,metal members 121/122 and interposed high voltage cathode 123, and metalmembers 125/126 and interposed high voltage anode 127. The third cellincludes membrane 107, metal members 125/126 and interposed high voltageanode 127, and metal members 129/130 and interposed high voltage cathode131.

Preferably and as shown, the faces of the individual electrodes and theindividual metal members are parallel to one another. It should beunderstood, however, that the faces of the individual electrodes and theindividual metal members do not have to be parallel to one another.

In a preferred embodiment, all of the electrodes and metal members arecomprised of titanium. In another preferred embodiment, all of theelectrodes and metal members are comprised of stainless steel. It shouldbe appreciated, however, that other materials can be used and that thesame material does not have to be used for both the metal members andthe high voltage electrodes, nor does the same material have to be usedfor all of the metal members, nor does the same material have to be usedfor both the high voltage anodes and the high voltage cathodes. Inaddition to titanium and stainless steel, other exemplary materials thatcan be used for the metal members and the high voltage electrodesinclude, but are not limited to, copper, iron, stainless steel, cobalt,manganese, zinc, nickel, platinum, palladium, aluminum, lithium,magnesium, boron, carbon, graphite, carbon-graphite, metal hydrides andalloys of these materials. As used in the present specification, a metalhydride refers to any compound of a metal and hydrogen or an isotope ofhydrogen (e.g., deuterium, tritium).

Preferably the surface area of each of the faces of the metal members(i.e., members 117, 118, 121, 122, 125, 126, 129 and 130 in FIG. 1) is alarge percentage of the cross-sectional area of tank 101, typically onthe order of at least 40 percent of the cross-sectional area of tank101, and often between approximately 70 percent and 90 percent of thecross-sectional area of tank 101. The high voltage electrodes may belarger, smaller or the same size as the metal members. Although theseparation distance between electrodes is dependent upon a variety offactors (e.g., tank size, voltage/current, etc.), in at least onepreferred embodiment the separation between the closest metal memberspositioned on either side of a membrane (e.g., in FIG. 1 members118/121, members 122/125 and members 126/129) is between 0.2 millimetersand 15 centimeters.

In FIG. 1, high voltage power source 133 supplies power to all of thehigh voltage electrodes. Preferably the high voltage generated by source133 is within the range of 50 volts to 50 kilovolts, and more preferablywithin the range of 100 volts to 5 kilovolts. Rather than continuallyapply voltage to the electrodes, source 133 is pulsed, preferably at afrequency between 50 Hz and 1 MHz, and more preferably at a frequency ofbetween 100 Hz and 10 kHz. The pulse width (i.e., pulse duration) ispreferably between 0.01 and 75 percent of the time period defined by thefrequency, and more preferably between 1 and 50 percent of the timeperiod defined by the frequency. Thus, for example, for a frequency of150 Hz, the pulse duration is preferably in the range of 0.67microseconds to 5 milliseconds, and more preferably in the range of 66.7microseconds to 3.3 milliseconds. Alternately, for example, for afrequency of 1 kHz, the pulse duration is preferably in the range of 0.1microseconds to 0.75 milliseconds, and more preferably in the range of10 microseconds to 0.5 milliseconds. Although voltage source 133 caninclude internal means for pulsing the source output, preferably anexternal pulse generator 135 controls a high voltage switch 137 which,in turn, controls the output of voltage source 133 as shown, and asdescribed above. Other means for pulsing the voltage sources are clearlyenvisioned, for example using a switching power supply coupled to anexternal pulse generator or using a switching power supply with aninternal pulse generator. If multiple pulse generators are used, forexample for use with multiple high voltage sources, preferably meanssuch as a system controller are used to insure that the pulses generatedby the individual pulse generators are simultaneous.

As previously noted, the electrolysis process of the invention generatesconsiderable heat. To withdraw that heat so that it can be used, and toprevent the liquid within the tank from becoming too hot and boiling ata given temperature, and to prevent possible damage to those systemcomponents that may be susceptible to damage, in the preferredembodiments of the invention the system includes means to actively coolthe system to within an acceptable temperature range. For example, in atleast one preferred embodiment the cooling system does not allow thetemperature to exceed 90° C. Although it will be appreciated that theinvention is not limited to a specific type of cooling system or aspecific implementation of the cooling system, in at least oneembodiment the electrolysis tank is surrounded by a coolant conduit 139,portions of which are shown in FIGS. 1-7, 11 and 12. Within coolantconduit 139 is a heat transfer medium, for example water. Coolantconduit 139 can either surround a portion of the electrolysis tank asshown, or be contained within the electrolysis tank, or be integratedwithin the walls of the electrolysis tank. The coolant pump and heatwithdrawal system is not shown in the figures as cooling systems arewell known by those of skill in the art.

As will be appreciated by those of skill in the art, there are numerousminor variations of the system described herein and shown in FIG. 1 thatwill function in substantially the same manner as the disclosed system.As previously noted, alternate configurations can utilize fewer orgreater numbers of cells, differently sized/shaped tanks, differentelectrolytic solutions, and a variety of different electrode/metalmember configurations and materials. Additionally the system can utilizea range of input powers, frequencies and pulse widths (i.e., pulseduration). In general, the exact configuration depends upon the desiredoutput level as well as available space and power. FIGS. 2-5 illustratea few alternate configurations, including the use of multiple sets ofmetal members for each cell (e.g., FIG. 2), multiple sets of highvoltage electrodes for each cell (e.g., FIG. 3), multiple sets of metalmembers and high voltage electrodes for each cell (e.g., FIG. 4), and ahorizontal cylindrical tank (e.g., FIG. 5).

FIG. 2 illustrates an alternate embodiment of the system shown in FIG.1, the alternate configuration replacing metal member 117 with threemetal members 201-203, replacing metal member 118 with three metalmembers 205-207, replacing metal member 121 with three metal members209-211, replacing metal member 122 with three metal members 213-215,replacing metal member 125 with three metal members 217-219, replacingmetal member 126 with three metal members 221-223, replacing metalmember 129 with three metal members 225-227, and replacing metal member130 with three metal members 229-231.

FIG. 3 illustrates an alternate embodiment of the system shown in FIG.1, the alternate configuration replacing high voltage electrode 119 withtwo high voltage electrodes 301-302, replacing high voltage electrode123 with two high voltage electrodes 303-304, replacing high voltageelectrode 127 with two high voltage electrodes 305-306, and replacinghigh voltage electrode 131 with two high voltage electrodes 307-308.

FIG. 4 illustrates an alternate embodiment of the system shown in FIG.1, the alternate embodiment utilizing the metal member configurationshown in FIG. 2 and the high voltage electrode configuration shown inFIG. 3.

FIG. 5 illustrates an alternate embodiment of the system shown in FIG.1, the alternate configuration replacing tank 101 with a horizontallyconfigured cylindrical tank 501, replacing membrane 105 with anappropriately shaped membrane 503, replacing membrane 106 with anappropriately shaped membrane 504, replacing membrane 107 with anappropriately shaped membrane 505, replacing metal member 117 withdisc-shaped metal member 507, replacing metal member 118 withdisc-shaped metal member 508, replacing high voltage electrode 119 withdisc-shaped high voltage electrode 509, replacing metal member 121 withdisc-shaped metal member 511, replacing metal member 122 withdisc-shaped metal member 512, replacing high voltage electrode 123 withdisc-shaped high voltage electrode 513, replacing metal member 125 withdisc-shaped metal member 515, replacing metal member 126 withdisc-shaped metal member 516, replacing high voltage electrode 127 withdisc-shaped high voltage electrode 517, replacing metal member 129 withdisc-shaped metal member 519, replacing metal member 130 withdisc-shaped metal member 520, and replacing high voltage electrode 131with disc-shaped high voltage electrode 521.

It will be appreciated that the supply electronics (i.e., high voltagepower supply, high voltage switch, pulse generator) shown in FIGS. 1-5represent only one exemplary configuration and that other configurationscan be used to supply the requisite pulsed and timed power to the highvoltage electrodes within the cells of the electrolysis system of theinvention. FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate two additional alternate, andexemplary, configurations. Specifically, FIG. 6 illustrates a systemsimilar to that shown in FIG. 1, except that high voltage supply 133 andhigh voltage switch 137 are combined into a single high voltageswitching power supply 601. The embodiment illustrated in FIG. 7combines the pulse generation within the power supply, i.e., highvoltage supply 701.

It should be understood that the electrolysis system of the presentinvention can be operated in a number of modes, the primary differencesbetween modes being the degree of process optimization used duringoperation. For example, FIG. 8 illustrates one method of operationrequiring minimal optimization. As illustrated, initially theelectrolysis tank, e.g., tank 101, is filled with water (step 801).Preferably the level of water in the tank at least covers the top of theelectrodes. The electrolyte can either be mixed into the water prior tofilling the tank or after the tank is filled. The frequency of the pulsegenerator is then set (step 803) as well as the pulse duration (step805). The initial voltage setting for the high voltage power supply isalso set (step 807). It will be appreciated that the order of set-up isclearly not critical to the electrolysis process. Typically, prior tothe initiation of electrolysis, the temperature of the water is at roomtemperature.

Once set-up is complete, electrolysis is initiated (step 809). Duringthe electrolysis process (step 811), and as previously noted, the wateris heated by the process itself. Eventually, when operation is no longerdesirable, the electrolysis process is suspended (step 813). If desired,prior to further operation the tank can be drained (step 815) andrefilled (step 817). Prior to refilling the tank, a series of optionalsteps can be performed. For example, the tank can be washed out(optional step 819) and the electrodes and/or metal members can becleaned, for example to remove oxides, by washing with diluted acids(optional step 821). Spent, or used up, electrodes and/or metal memberscan also be replaced prior to refilling (optional step 823). Aftercleaning the system and/or replacing electrodes/members as deemednecessary, and refilling the system, the system is ready to reinitiatethe electrolysis process.

The above sequence of processing steps works best once the operationalparameters have been optimized for a specific system configuration sincethe system configuration will impact the heat generation efficiency ofthe process. Exemplary system configuration parameters that affect theoptimal electrolysis settings include tank size, quantity of water, typeand/or quality of water, electrolyte composition, electrolyteconcentration, electrode size, electrode composition, electrode shape,electrode configuration, electrode separation, metal member size, metalmember composition, metal member shape, metal member configuration,metal member separation, cell number, cell separation, initial watertemperature, high voltage setting, pulse frequency and pulse duration.

FIG. 9 illustrates an alternate procedure, one in which the processundergoes optimization. Initially the tank is filled (step 901) andinitial settings for pulse frequency (step 903), pulse duration (step905) and high voltage supply output (step 907) are made. Typically theinitial settings are based on previous settings that have been optimizedfor a similarly configured system. For example, assuming that the newconfiguration was the same as a previous configuration except for thecomposition of the electrodes, a reasonable initial set-up would be theoptimized set-up from the previous configuration.

After the initial set-up is completed, electrolysis is initiated (step909) and system output is monitored (step 911), for example absolutetemperature or the rate of temperature increase. Although systemoptimization can begin immediately, preferably the system is allowed torun for an initial period of time (step 913) prior to optimization. Theinitial period of operation can be based on achieving a predeterminedoutput, for example a specific level of temperature increase, orachieving a steady state output (e.g., steady state temperature).Alternately the initial period of time can simply be a predeterminedtime period, for example 6 hours.

After the initial time period is exceeded, the system output (e.g.,temperature rate increase, steady state temperature, etc.) is monitored(step 915) while optimizing one or more of the operational parameters.Although the order of parameter optimization is not critical, in atleast one preferred embodiment the first parameter to be optimized ispulse duration (step 917). Then the pulse frequency is optimized (step918), followed by optimization of the high voltage (step 919). In thisembodiment after optimization is complete the electrolysis process isallowed to continue (step 921) without further optimization until theprocess is halted, step 923. In another, and preferred, alternativeapproach illustrated in FIG. 10, one or more of optimization steps917-919 are performed continuously throughout the electrolysis processuntil electrolysis is suspended.

Note that the optimization processes described relative to FIGS. 9 and10 assume that (i) the cells physical geometry is fixed and (ii) thereis no control over the high voltage applied to individual cellelectrodes. If the system does include means for adjusting the physicalgeometry of the individual cells during electrolysis, for example thespacing between the electrodes within the cells or the cell-to-cellspacing, these parameters can also be altered to further optimize theelectrolysis process during system operation. The system can also beconfigured to provide additional control over the high voltage appliedto the cells. For example, the system shown in FIG. 11 uses a pair ofhigh voltage power supplies 1101/1102 and associated high voltageswitches 1103/1104. Systems such as these, although more complex,provide further control and therefore potentially greater optimization.

The optimization process described relative to FIGS. 9 and 10 can beperformed manually. In the preferred embodiment, however, the system orportions of the system are controlled via a system controller such ascontroller 1201 shown in an alternate embodiment of the configurationillustrated in FIG. 1 (i.e., FIG. 12). Assuming that controller 1201 isused to control and optimize the pulse frequency, pulse duration andhigh voltage, system controller 1201 is coupled to the pulse generatorand the voltage supply as shown. If the system controller is only usedto control and optimize a subset of these parameters, the systemcontroller is coupled accordingly (i.e., coupled to the pulse generatorto control pulse frequency and duration; coupled to the high voltagesource to control the high voltage). In order to allow optimizationautomation, system controller 1201 is also coupled to a system monitor,for example one or more temperature monitors (e.g., monitor 1203). In atleast one preferred embodiment system controller 1201 is also coupled toa monitor 1205, monitor 1205 providing either the pH or the resistivityof liquid 103 within electrolysis tank 101, thereby providing means fordetermining when additional electrolyte needs to be added. In at leastone preferred embodiment system controller 1201 is also coupled to aliquid level monitor 1207, thereby providing means for determining whenadditional water needs to be added to the electrolysis tank. Preferablysystem controller 1201 is also coupled to one or more flow valves 1209which allow water, electrolyte, or a combination of water andelectrolyte to be automatically added to the electrolysis system inresponse to pH/resistivity data provided by monitor 1205 (i.e., when themonitored pH/resistivity falls outside of a preset range) and/or liquidlevel data provided by monitor 1207 (i.e., when the monitored liquidlevel falls below a preset value).

As will be understood by those familiar with the art, the presentinvention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing fromthe spirit or essential characteristics thereof. Accordingly, thedisclosures and descriptions herein are intended to be illustrative, butnot limiting, of the scope of the invention which is set forth in thefollowing claims.

1. An electrolysis system comprising: an electrolysis tank; a pluralityof electrolysis cells within said electrolysis tank, each of saidplurality of electrolysis cells comprising: a membrane dividing saidelectrolysis cell into a first region and a second region, wherein saidmembrane permits ion and electron exchange between said first and secondregions; a plurality of metal members, said plurality of metal memberscomprised of at least a first metal member and at least a second metalmember contained within said first region, and said plurality of metalmembers comprised of at least a third metal member and at least a fourthmetal member contained within said second region; and a plurality ofhigh voltage electrodes, said plurality of high voltage electrodescomprised of at least a first high voltage anode contained within saidfirst region and interposed between said first metal member and saidsecond metal member, and said plurality of high voltage electrodescomprised of at least a first high voltage cathode contained within saidsecond region and interposed between said third metal member and saidfourth metal member; a high voltage source electrically connected tosaid plurality of high voltage electrodes of each electrolysis cell; andmeans for pulsing said high voltage source at a specific frequency and aspecific pulse duration.
 2. The electrolysis system of claim 1, furthercomprising a system controller coupled to said electrolysis system,wherein said system controller is coupled to at least one of said highvoltage source, said pulsing means, a temperature monitor containedwithin said electrolysis tank, a flow valve within an inlet line coupledto said electrolysis tank, a water level monitor within saidelectrolysis tank, a pH monitor within said electrolysis tank, and aresistivity monitor within said electrolysis tank.
 3. The electrolysissystem of claim 1, further comprising means for cooling saidelectrolysis system.
 4. The electrolysis system of claim 3, wherein saidcooling means is comprised of a conduit containing a heat transfermedium, wherein a portion of said conduit is in thermal communicationwith at least a portion of said electrolysis tank.
 5. The electrolysissystem of claim 1, further comprising a liquid within said electrolysistank, wherein said liquid includes at least one of water, deuteratedwater, tritiated water, semiheavy water, heavy oxygen water, watercontaining an isotope of hydrogen, or water containing an isotope ofoxygen.
 6. The electrolysis system of claim 5, further comprising anelectrolyte within said liquid, said electrolyte having a concentrationof between 0.05 and 10.0 percent by weight.
 7. The electrolysis systemof claim 1, wherein said first metal member is comprised of a firstmaterial, wherein said second metal member is comprised of a secondmaterial, wherein said third metal member is comprised of a thirdmaterial, wherein said fourth metal member is comprised of a fourthmaterial, wherein said first high voltage anode is comprised of a fifthmaterial, wherein said first high voltage cathode is comprised of asixth material, and wherein said first, second, third, fourth, fifth andsixth materials are selected from the group consisting of steel, nickel,copper, iron, stainless steel, cobalt, manganese, zinc, titanium,platinum, palladium, aluminum, lithium, magnesium, boron, carbon,graphite, carbon-graphite, metal hydrides and alloys of steel, nickel,copper, iron, stainless steel, cobalt, manganese, zinc, titanium,platinum, palladium, aluminum, lithium, magnesium, boron, carbon,graphite, carbon-graphite and metal hydrides.
 8. The electrolysis systemof claim 1, wherein said plurality of metal members are comprised of afirst material, wherein said plurality of high voltage electrodes arecomprised of a second material, and wherein said first and secondmaterials are selected from the group consisting of steel, nickel,copper, iron, stainless steel, cobalt, manganese, zinc, titanium,platinum, palladium, aluminum, lithium, magnesium, boron, carbon,graphite, carbon-graphite, metal hydrides and alloys of steel, nickel,copper, iron, stainless steel, cobalt, manganese, zinc, titanium,platinum, palladium, aluminum, lithium, magnesium, boron, carbon,graphite, carbon-graphite and metal hydrides.
 9. The electrolysis systemof claim 1, wherein said specific pulse duration is between 0.01 and 75percent of a time period defined by said specific frequency.
 10. Amethod of operating a multi-cell electrolysis system comprising thesteps of applying a high voltage to at least a first high voltage anodeand a first high voltage cathode contained within each of a plurality ofelectrolysis cells contained within an electrolysis tank of saidelectrolysis system, said high voltage applying step further comprisingthe step of pulsing said high voltage at a first frequency and with afirst pulse duration, and wherein said first high voltage anode isinterposed between a first metal member and a second metal member withina first region of each of said plurality of electrolysis cells, andwherein said first high voltage cathode is interposed between a thirdmetal member and a fourth metal member within a second region of each ofsaid plurality of electrolysis cells.
 11. A method of operating anelectrolysis system comprising the steps of: positioning a plurality ofelectrolysis cells within an electrolysis tank, wherein each of saidelectrolysis cells is comprised of a membrane dividing each of saidelectrolysis cells into a first region and a second region; filling saidelectrolysis tank with a liquid; positioning a plurality of metalmembers within each of said plurality of electrolysis cells, whereinsaid plurality of metal members is comprised of at least a first metalmember, a second metal member, a third metal member and a fourth metalmember, wherein said positioning step further comprises the steps ofpositioning said first and second metal members within said first regionof each of said electrolysis cells and positioning said third and fourthmetal members within said second region of each of said electrolysiscells; positioning a plurality of high voltage electrodes within each ofsaid plurality of electrolysis cells, wherein said plurality of highvoltage electrodes is comprised of at least a first high voltage anodeand a first high voltage cathode, wherein said positioning step furthercomprises the steps of positioning said first high voltage anode betweensaid first and second metal members within said first region of each ofsaid electrolysis cells and positioning said first high voltage cathodebetween said third and fourth metal members within said second region ofeach of said electrolysis cells; and applying a high voltage to saidplurality of high voltage electrodes, said high voltage applying stepfurther comprising the step of pulsing said high voltage at a firstfrequency and with a first pulse duration.
 12. The method of claim 11,further comprising the step of selecting said liquid from the groupconsisting of water, deuterated water, tritiated water, semiheavy water,heavy oxygen water, water containing an isotope of hydrogen, or watercontaining an isotope of oxygen.
 13. The method of claim 11, furthercomprising the steps of: monitoring a liquid level within saidelectrolysis tank; and adding more of said liquid to said electrolysistank when said monitored liquid level falls below a preset value. 14.The method of claim 11, further comprising the step of adding anelectrolyte to said liquid.
 15. The method of claim 11, furthercomprising the steps of: monitoring pH of said liquid within saidelectrolysis tank; and adding electrolyte to said liquid when saidmonitored pH falls outside of a preset range.
 16. The method of claim11, further comprising the steps of: monitoring resistivity of saidliquid within said electrolysis tank; and adding electrolyte to saidliquid when said monitored resistivity falls outside of a preset range.17. The method of claim 11, further comprising the steps of: fabricatingsaid plurality of metal members from a first material; fabricating saidplurality of high voltage electrodes from a second material; andselecting said first material and said second material from the groupconsisting of steel, nickel, copper, iron, stainless steel, cobalt,manganese, zinc, titanium, platinum, palladium, aluminum, lithium,magnesium, boron, carbon, graphite, carbon-graphite, metal hydrides andalloys of steel, nickel, copper, iron, stainless steel, cobalt,manganese, zinc, titanium, platinum, palladium, aluminum, lithium,magnesium, boron, carbon, graphite, carbon-graphite and metal hydrides.18. The method of claim 11, further comprising the steps of: fabricatingsaid first metal member from a first material; fabricating said secondmetal member from a second material; fabricating said third metal memberfrom a third material; fabricating said fourth metal member from afourth material; fabricating said first high voltage anode from a fifthmaterial; fabricating said first high voltage cathode from a sixthmaterial; and selecting said first, second, third, fourth, fifth andsixth materials from the group consisting of steel, nickel, copper,iron, stainless steel, cobalt, manganese, zinc, titanium, platinum,palladium, aluminum, lithium, magnesium, boron, carbon, graphite,carbon-graphite, metal hydrides and alloys of steel, nickel, copper,iron, stainless steel, cobalt, manganese, zinc, titanium, platinum,palladium, aluminum, lithium, magnesium, boron, carbon, graphite,carbon-graphite and metal hydrides.
 19. The method of claim 11, furthercomprising the step of selecting said first pulse duration to be between0.01 and 75 percent of a time period defined by said first frequency.20. The method of claim 11, further comprising the steps of: monitoringa rate of heat generation of said electrolysis system; selecting anoperating parameter of said electrolysis system from at least one ofsaid high voltage, said first frequency, and said first pulse duration;and optimizing said operating parameter of said electrolysis system inresponse to said monitored heat generation rate.